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Cravings: A (Mostly) Fictional Memoir
In the waning days of 1998, Tessa Elizabeth Alexander yearns for more than the safety of her mundane life. She's been fat since she was a little girl and has grown up knowing how the world views her. She's always craved thinness - who hasn't - but she also craves love and affection, two things she's gotten very little of in her nearly 23 years. It's hard not to think the two are related, that thinness is required if she's ever going to find her person.
Determined to "be bold" for once in her life, Tessa embarks on a journey of self-exploration. Writing about her adventures in sexual experimentation, love, therapy, and friendship, Tessa finds herself immersed in a world of colorful characters who challenge many of her preconceived notions, including the ones she holds about herself. Can Tessa learn that acceptance is possible without shrinking herself? Will she find someone who loves her exactly as she is?
CW: Explicit sex scenes, both M-F and F-F.
Determined to "be bold" for once in her life, Tessa embarks on a journey of self-exploration. Writing about her adventures in sexual experimentation, love, therapy, and friendship, Tessa finds herself immersed in a world of colorful characters who challenge many of her preconceived notions, including the ones she holds about herself. Can Tessa learn that acceptance is possible without shrinking herself? Will she find someone who loves her exactly as she is?
CW: Explicit sex scenes, both M-F and F-F.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2025
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12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 5, 2025
Thank you to Booksprout for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Crave is written in diary format, giving readers an intimate, unfiltered glimpse into the life of Tess Alexander. It’s late 1998 when Tess receives her first diary, and what follows is a raw, vulnerable, and often empowering journey of self-discovery.
At 400 pounds, Tess carries her insecurities openly, and in the beginning, she feels lonely and unseen. She makes a promise to herself—not a resolution, but a true commitment—to be bolder in the coming year. While the title hints at her cravings for food, what Tess truly craves is acceptance, affection, and love. Throughout her year, she seeks these things in romantic partners, but her personality shines so brightly that people can’t help but fall for her.
What I loved most was seeing Tess’ growth; how she transforms from self-doubt to self-acceptance, realizing her worth and learning to embrace herself just as she is. The diary format makes it feel like you’re not just reading about her journey, but living it alongside her.
This story is body positive, sex positive, and unapologetically empowering. It’s not about Tess changing herself to fit anyone else’s mold, it’s about her finding strength and confidence in exactly who she is.
As someone who has also struggled with weight and self-image, I found this book both relatable and inspiring. It’s the kind of story that makes you reflect on your own journey while rooting for Tess on hers.
Crave is written in diary format, giving readers an intimate, unfiltered glimpse into the life of Tess Alexander. It’s late 1998 when Tess receives her first diary, and what follows is a raw, vulnerable, and often empowering journey of self-discovery.
At 400 pounds, Tess carries her insecurities openly, and in the beginning, she feels lonely and unseen. She makes a promise to herself—not a resolution, but a true commitment—to be bolder in the coming year. While the title hints at her cravings for food, what Tess truly craves is acceptance, affection, and love. Throughout her year, she seeks these things in romantic partners, but her personality shines so brightly that people can’t help but fall for her.
What I loved most was seeing Tess’ growth; how she transforms from self-doubt to self-acceptance, realizing her worth and learning to embrace herself just as she is. The diary format makes it feel like you’re not just reading about her journey, but living it alongside her.
This story is body positive, sex positive, and unapologetically empowering. It’s not about Tess changing herself to fit anyone else’s mold, it’s about her finding strength and confidence in exactly who she is.
As someone who has also struggled with weight and self-image, I found this book both relatable and inspiring. It’s the kind of story that makes you reflect on your own journey while rooting for Tess on hers.
October 12, 2025
I devoured this book in one sitting. I was not only totally entertained, but I felt a whole new level of empathy for people dealing with weight and body image struggles. I’ll probably never again speak of my own weight—something I’ve wrestled with my whole life—in quite the same way. This story shifted something in me.
The main character’s journey from self-acceptance to genuine self-love felt raw, real, and inspiring. She learns to take up space unapologetically and to believe she deserves both joy and love. It’s an LGBTQ+ story full of heart, humor, and honesty. I laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed every page (and yes, the spice was perfectly done).
Juliet James has written something truly special—equal parts bold, tender, and transformative. I want to find the courage to see myself with the same compassion this book so beautifully extends to its characters.
The main character’s journey from self-acceptance to genuine self-love felt raw, real, and inspiring. She learns to take up space unapologetically and to believe she deserves both joy and love. It’s an LGBTQ+ story full of heart, humor, and honesty. I laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed every page (and yes, the spice was perfectly done).
Juliet James has written something truly special—equal parts bold, tender, and transformative. I want to find the courage to see myself with the same compassion this book so beautifully extends to its characters.
October 21, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really loved this book!
I have to honestly say, even though I haven't had most of the experiences of Tessa, her character voice and her internal conflict was incredibly relatable to me. This idea of not liking yourself so severely that you can't believe others like you either. I have also been with people and not believed them when they told me they loved me, and that spiralled our relationship; and I have disbelieved people who have confessed they were in love with me because I couldn't handle hearing something I couldn't believe to be true. It was intense being slapped in the face with fiction.
Also, team Sara, didn't really like Mia.
My only criticism, and probably not that much of a criticism because I don't know if it's valid, but it annoyed me all the same -- everyone is fucking in love with Tessa that if a new character is introduced, I already know they are absolutely going to be added to the list. Like, I get it's a story about a girl realising she can be loved, but by GOD, there just needed to be a little less people. Personally, I would've felt less like this if Ryan hadn't admitted to being in love with her as well. By the time his confession rolled around, I was just rolling my eyes. Just felt like we were being hammered over the head with SEE SHE CAN BE LOVED, when it isn't the other people we need to hear that from, it's Tessa. I will forgive this, because we do see Tessa go through this self-acceptance.
As an ED memoir, I related a lot with my own experiences with ED. It felt honest. Nothing was being hidden. And you can see the character's mental processing on these issues, clearly from the effects of therapy.
Overall, good book. I read it in a day.
I really, really loved this book!
I have to honestly say, even though I haven't had most of the experiences of Tessa, her character voice and her internal conflict was incredibly relatable to me. This idea of not liking yourself so severely that you can't believe others like you either. I have also been with people and not believed them when they told me they loved me, and that spiralled our relationship; and I have disbelieved people who have confessed they were in love with me because I couldn't handle hearing something I couldn't believe to be true. It was intense being slapped in the face with fiction.
Also, team Sara, didn't really like Mia.
My only criticism, and probably not that much of a criticism because I don't know if it's valid, but it annoyed me all the same -- everyone is fucking in love with Tessa that if a new character is introduced, I already know they are absolutely going to be added to the list. Like, I get it's a story about a girl realising she can be loved, but by GOD, there just needed to be a little less people. Personally, I would've felt less like this if Ryan hadn't admitted to being in love with her as well. By the time his confession rolled around, I was just rolling my eyes. Just felt like we were being hammered over the head with SEE SHE CAN BE LOVED, when it isn't the other people we need to hear that from, it's Tessa. I will forgive this, because we do see Tessa go through this self-acceptance.
As an ED memoir, I related a lot with my own experiences with ED. It felt honest. Nothing was being hidden. And you can see the character's mental processing on these issues, clearly from the effects of therapy.
Overall, good book. I read it in a day.
September 14, 2025
"Cravings" is a heartfelt and unflinchingly honest journal-style narrative that immerses readers in the late 1990s through the voice of Tessa Elizabeth Alexander. Over the course of a year, Tessa shares her struggles with body image, complicated relationships, and her quest to live more boldly. Her candid reflections on dating mishaps, crushes, and flirtations are laced with self-deprecating humour and raw vulnerability, drawing readers into her world.
The book doesn’t shy away from deeper themes, such as disordered eating, loneliness, and the search for self-acceptance, all of which are portrayed with striking authenticity. Tessa’s experiences are both deeply personal and universally relatable, offering a window into the human yearning to be seen, loved, and true to oneself.
Set against the cultural backdrop of the late 90s—complete with phone personals, Barnes & Noble meetups, and the excitement of a new millennium—the book captures a nostalgic era while exploring timeless themes of connection, resilience, and growth.
Overall, it’s a poignant blend of humour, heartbreak, and hope, making it a compelling read for anyone who has faced self-doubt while longing for genuine connection.
Worth a try.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book doesn’t shy away from deeper themes, such as disordered eating, loneliness, and the search for self-acceptance, all of which are portrayed with striking authenticity. Tessa’s experiences are both deeply personal and universally relatable, offering a window into the human yearning to be seen, loved, and true to oneself.
Set against the cultural backdrop of the late 90s—complete with phone personals, Barnes & Noble meetups, and the excitement of a new millennium—the book captures a nostalgic era while exploring timeless themes of connection, resilience, and growth.
Overall, it’s a poignant blend of humour, heartbreak, and hope, making it a compelling read for anyone who has faced self-doubt while longing for genuine connection.
Worth a try.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2025
Cravings by Juliet James is written like a diary taking the reader through 1998 of Tessa Alexander’s life. We see her journey over the course of a year in this book.
I liked how this book was written like a diary as a way for Tessa to share her thoughts, fears, hopes, and joys. Having the book structured like a diary with journal entries was a great way for us as the readers to see Tessa’s personal journey and the ups and downs along the way.
Tessa learns about loving and accepting herself as she uncovers her identity and as she finds love and acceptance from others and in her relationships. We as the reader got to see her come into her own, be bold, and grow over the course of story.
There are open door scenes in this book.
I recommend this book, and thank you to Juliet James, Crooked Circle Press, and BookSprout for the opportunity to read and review!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked how this book was written like a diary as a way for Tessa to share her thoughts, fears, hopes, and joys. Having the book structured like a diary with journal entries was a great way for us as the readers to see Tessa’s personal journey and the ups and downs along the way.
Tessa learns about loving and accepting herself as she uncovers her identity and as she finds love and acceptance from others and in her relationships. We as the reader got to see her come into her own, be bold, and grow over the course of story.
There are open door scenes in this book.
I recommend this book, and thank you to Juliet James, Crooked Circle Press, and BookSprout for the opportunity to read and review!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
This wavered between a 3.5 and 4 for me, but it ends with a cozy Christmas love story, so ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ it is! If I could narrow the purpose of this book down to one word, it'd be visibility. Seeing how impossible it was to be a healthy woman in the 90s, and for me, the 2000s. Seeing how hard it was - and, unfortunately, still is - to just love who your heart loves. Seeing how challenging but rewarding personal growth is, and how incredibly beneficial therapy is.
As amazing as all of that sounds and as much as I appreciate a sexual awakening, the sexual content was a tad too much for me. I think I'm in a closed door phase.
Overall, though, it was a quick and easy read that I think a lot of readers can find parts of themselves in.
As amazing as all of that sounds and as much as I appreciate a sexual awakening, the sexual content was a tad too much for me. I think I'm in a closed door phase.
Overall, though, it was a quick and easy read that I think a lot of readers can find parts of themselves in.
September 4, 2025
Cravings by Juliet James was a refreshingly sex positive and body positive story. It is written in diary entry format, and catalogs the growth, boldness, and self actualization of Tessa Alexander. I found it so interesting how she had such a terrible sense of self worth due to her weight and the circumstances of how she was raised, because literally everyone this young woman encounters falls for her.
My favorite part of the book was how she handled her encounters with Kevin, the pizza delivery guy.
This is definitely a great read for a young woman who is dealing with issues regarding her body image, self esteem or sexuality.
My favorite part of the book was how she handled her encounters with Kevin, the pizza delivery guy.
This is definitely a great read for a young woman who is dealing with issues regarding her body image, self esteem or sexuality.
August 13, 2025
I used to keep several journals during the 90’s so this hit home - some of the experiences were the same but others not so much. I felt like I was invading someone’s privacy but I was also intrigued. How was the relationship going to end up like? It was really lovely to see Tessa start feeling comfortable with herself throughout the journal entries. Enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews